Notice
NDHHS is currently conducting the 2025 ND BRFSS telephone survey. If your phone number was randomly selected to participate, please consider taking the time to complete the anonymous survey to help inform and improve the health of North Dakotans.
About Us
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an annual statewide telephone surveillance system designed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and implemented individually by each state. Phone interviews are conducted throughout the year to collect data on risk behaviors, preventative health practices and health-related conditions contributing to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in North Dakota. North Dakota’s sample represents randomly selected residents of the non-institutionalized adult household population, ages 18 years and older. Information provided by BRFSS is not available from other sources.
Key Points
The BRFSS is used by all states, the District of Columbia and territories in collaboration with CDC. The BRFSS collects information from adults on health behaviors and preventive practices related to several leading causes of death and provides data for many purposes, including:
- Assessing risk for chronic diseases.
- Identifying demographic differences and trends in health-related behaviors.
- Designing and monitoring health interventions and services.
- Addressing emergent and critical health issues.
- Formulating policy and proposing legislation for health initiatives.
Measuring progress toward achieving state and national health objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why participate in the survey?
Participation in the survey is important to accurately represent all types of adults in ND, regardless of health status. While the survey is entirely voluntary, participating serves as a valuable public service to your community and state.
How did you get my phone number?
BRFSS is conducted using Random Digit Dialing (RDD) procedures. This is a method of selecting telephone numbers at random to create a representative sample of North Dakotans.
What type of information does the BRFSS collect?
The BRFSS collects information on health-related risk behaviors and events, chronic conditions, and the use of preventive services. The survey may also include topics related to emerging health issues and topics uniquely important to ND.
Who takes part in the survey? Are they compensated?
North Dakota adults aged 18 years or older who live in a private residence or college housing are eligible to take part in the survey. Participants are not compensated monetarily for their time; however, they directly impact and improve the health and wellbeing of North Dakotans through choosing to participate.
How are questions added to the BRFSS questionnaire?
A core questionnaire is designed annually and asked by all states. NDHHS supplements this with questions proposed by a work group and identified as important to public health in ND. For questions about how to propose questions on the survey, email program staff at (brfssnd@nd.gov)
Can I access the data?
ND BRFSS data files and reports can be requested by emailing (brfssnd@nd.gov). Upon completion of a data user agreement, data files will be shared within a reasonable timeframe.